2015 NFL Draft

• http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft
• http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015

Draft Order and Picks

Pick	Team                       Player
1	Tampa Bay
2	Tennessee
3	Jacksonville
4	Oakland
5	Washington
6	New York Jets
7	Chicago
8	Atlanta
9	New York Giants
10	St. Louis
11	Minnesota
12	Cleveland
13	New Orleans
14	Miami
15	San Francisco
16	Houston
17	San Diego
18	Kansas City
19	Cleveland (from Buf)
20	Philadelphia
21	Cincinnati
22	Pittsburgh
23	Detroit
24	Arizona
25	Carolina
26	Baltimore
27	Dallas
28	Denver
29	Indianapolis
30	Green Bay
31	New Orleans (from Seattle)
32	New England

Top Ranked Players

ESPN story

SCOUTS INC.'S TOP 32 FOR 2015

Player 	                Pos. 	School 	        Grade
1. Jameis Winston* 	QB 	Florida St 	97
2. Leonard Williams* 	DE 	USC 	        96
3. Amari Cooper* 	WR 	Alabama 	94
4. Dante Fowler Jr.* 	DE 	Florida 	93
5. Marcus Mariota* 	QB 	Oregon 	        93
6. Brandon Scherff 	OT 	Iowa 	        93
7. Kevin White 	        WR 	W Virginia 	93
8. Todd Gurley* 	RB 	Georgia 	92
9. DeVante Parker 	WR 	Louisville 	92
10. Trae Waynes* 	CB 	Michigan St 	91
11. Andrus Peat* 	OT 	Stanford 	91
12. Arik Armstead* 	DE 	Oregon 	        91
13. Ereck Flowers* 	OT 	Miami (FL) 	90
14. Danny Shelton 	DT 	Washington 	90
15. Kevin Johnson 	CB 	Wake Forest 	90
16. Cameron Erving 	C 	Florida St 	90
17. Melvin Gordon* 	RB 	Wisconsin 	90
18. Randy Gregory* 	OLB 	Nebraska 	90
19. Malcom Brown* 	DT 	Texas 	        90
20. Breshad Perriman* 	WR 	UCF 	        90
21. Marcus Peters* 	CB 	Washington 	90
22. La'el Collins 	OT 	LSU 	        90
23. Nelson Agholor* 	WR 	USC 	        89
24. Bud Dupree 	        OLB 	Kentucky 	89
25. Vic Beasley 	OLB 	Clemson 	89
26. Eddie Goldman* 	DT 	Florida St 	89
27. Phillip Dorsett 	WR 	Miami (FL) 	88
28. Devin Smith 	WR 	Ohio State 	88
29. Eric Kendricks 	ILB 	UCLA 	        88
30. Jaelen Strong* 	WR 	Arizona St 	88
31. Shane Ray* 	        OLB 	Missouri 	88
32. D.J. Humphries* 	OT 	Florida 	88 

* Denotes draft-eligible non-senior

Grading Scale

90-100 Rare Prospect
Player demonstrates rare abilities and can create mismatches that have an obvious impact on the game. Is a premier college player that has all the skill to take over a game and play at a championship level. He rates in the top 5 players in the nation at his position and is considered a first round draft prospect.

80-89 Outstanding Prospect
Player has abilities to create mismatches versus most opponents in the NFL. A feature player that has an impact on the outcome of the game. Cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. He rates in the top 10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect.

70-79 Solid Prospect
Still a standout player at the college level that is close to being an elite player. He has no glaring weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchups, but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the country. He will usually rate in the top third of players at his position and is considered a third round draft prospect.

Top 5 Rankings by Position

Apr 28, 2015 NFL.com story.

"Mike Mayock's final position-by-position rankings for the 2015 NFL Draft:"

Quarterback

1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
2. Jameis Winston, Florida State
3. Bryce Petty, Baylor
4. Brett Hundley, UCLA
5. Sean Mannion, Oregon State

Rise: Hundley (5), Mannion (NR)
Fall: Garrett Grayson, Colorado State (4)

Running back

1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
2. Todd Gurley, Georgia
3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
4. Duke Johnson, Miami (Fla.)
5. Tevin Coleman, Indiana

Fall: T.J. Yeldon, Alabama (T-5)

Wide receiver

1. Kevin White, West Virginia
2. Amari Cooper, Alabama
3. DeVante Parker, Louisville
4. Breshad Perriman, Central Florida
5. Nelson Agholor, USC

Fall: Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri (T-5)

Tight end

1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota
2. Clive Walford, Miami (Fla.)
3. Tyler Kroft, Rutgers
4. Blake Bell, Oklahoma
5. Jeff Heuerman, Ohio State

Rise: Kroft (4)
Fall: Bell (3)

Interior offensive linemen

1. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
2. Cameron Erving, Florida State
3. Laken Tomlinson, Duke
4. A.J. Cann, South Carolina
5. Mitch Morse, Missouri

Rise: Morse (NR)
Fall: Tre' Jackson, Florida State (5)

Offensive tackle

1. La'el Collins, LSU
2. Ereck Flowers, Miami (Fla.)
3. D.J. Humphries, Florida
4. Andrus Peat, Stanford
5. T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh

Fall: Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M (T-5)

Interior defensive linemen

1. Leonard Williams, USC
2. Danny Shelton, Washington
3. Arik Armstead, Oregon
4. Malcom Brown, Texas
5. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

Rise: Shelton (4)
Fall: Armstead (2), Brown (3), Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma (T-5)

Edge rusher

1. Dante Fowler, Jr., Florida
2. Bud Dupree, Kentucky
3. Vic Beasley, Clemson
4. Randy Gregory, Nebraska
5. Shane Ray, Missouri

Rise: Dupree (4)
Fall: Gregory (2)

Linebacker

1. Paul Dawson, TCU
2. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
3. Stephone Anthony, Clemson
4. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla.)
5. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Cornerback

1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
3. Marcus Peters, Washington
4. Jalen Collins, LSU
5. Byron Jones, Connecticut

Rise: Johnson (4)
Fall: Collins (2), Eric Rowe, Utah (T-5)

Safety

1. Damarious Randall, Arizona State
2. Landon Collins, Alabama
3. Shaq Thompson, Washington
4. Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio)
5. Jaquiski Tartt, Samford

Fall: Alex Carter, Stanford (T-5)

Tony Grossi's Mock Draft 11.0

Apr 30, 2015 post

"Mock draft 11.0: This is it – our official prediction on how the first round unfolds in Thursday’s NFL draft."

"One caveat: We don’t predict trades and fully accept that one trade can cause this mock to fall apart like a Browns defense in a season opener. (Cheap shot, agreed.)"

1. Tampa Bay: QB Jameis Winston, Florida State - The 2013 Heisman winner goes wire to wire.
2. Tennessee: QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon - I am not ruling out a future trade to San Diego after this selection is made.
3. Jacksonville: OLB Dante Fowler, Florida - In the end, Gus Bradley chooses pass rusher over run stuffer.
4. Oakland: DT Leonard Williams, Southern California - New coach Jack Del Rio casts the deciding vote.
5. Washington: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson - A Redskins trade down is more likely.
6. N.Y. Jets: DT Danny Shelton, Washington - Why do you think Muhammad Wilkerson is reportedly available in trade?
7. Chicago: WR Amari Cooper, Alabama - Very nice replacement for traded Brandon Marshall.
8. Atlanta: LB Alvin Dupree, Kentucky - Likely team to move up to No. 5.
9. N.Y. Giants: RB Todd Gurley, Georgia - This may be the only mock draft where you’ll find this selection.
10. St. Louis: OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa - Nick Foles is less mobile than Sam Bradford.
11. Minnesota: WR Kevin White, West Virginia - Too good to pass up.
12. Cleveland: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville - Ray Farmer’s receiver allergy is corrected by medication.
13. New Orleans: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State - Defense figures to be the order of the day.
14. Miami: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest - Think Tom Brady. Everybody in the AFC East is.
15. San Francisco: DE Arik Armstead, Oregon - Every mock draft around the globe has this one nailed.
16. Houston: WR Brashad Perriman, Central Florida - Substantial speed upgrade over departed Andre Johnson.
17. San Diego: RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin - Anybody look at their running back depth chart lately?
18. Kansas City: OL Cameron Erving, Florida State - A very prudent pick.
19. Cleveland: DT Malcom Brown, Texas. - Versatility on defensive line is Mike Pettine’s desire.
20. Philadelphia: CB Byron Jones, Connecticut - Chip Kelly’s roots are in the northeast and he needs a cornerback.
21. Cincinnati: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford - Both Bengals offensive tackles are in last year of their contracts.
22. Pittsburgh: CB Marcus Peters, Washington - There is an inarguable urgency at cornerback.
23. Detroit: DT Eddie Goldman, Florida State - Better than Ndamukong Suh v. run? Naw.
24. Arizona: DE-OLB Shane Ray, Missouri - Stacked Cardinals can go in a lot of directions.
25. Carolina: OT D.J. Humphries, Florida - Lots of tackles to choose from.
26. Baltimore: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri - What just happened?
27. Dallas: RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State - Guess this rules out a trade for Adrian Peterson.
28. Denver: OT Jake Fisher, Oregon - The Gary Kubiak era begins with offensive line help.
29. Indianapolis: OT T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh - Too highly-graded to ignore.
30. Green Bay: LB Eric Kendricks, UCLA - Didn’t they release A.J. Hawk?
31. New Orleans: WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami - Pick received in trade of Jimmy Graham goes to offensive playmaker.
32. New England: LB Randy Gregory, Nebraska - Bill Belichick could use this draft to stock up on 2016 picks.

News, Rumors, and Thoughts

• Pro Football Talk RSS Feed
• Tony Grossi Twitter
• RapSheet Twitter

Browns to No. 2?

Around 12:35 p.m. on Wed, Apr 29, 2015, a story broke on ESPN that the Browns offered TN their no. 12 and no. 19 picks for TN's no. 2 slot so that Cle could draft Oregon QB Marcus Mariota.

Apr 29, 2015 - NFL - Browns have best chance to move up to No. 2 in draft

A short time later, however, some news said that the Browns made no such offer. Also, other news stated that San Diego and Philly were interested in TN's no. 2 pick. SD would trade QB Rivers to TN.

It's probable that TN would want more from Cle than Cle's two first round picks in this draft.

Apr 29, 2015 - RapSheet tweet

"Browns have that. RT @mikefreemanNFL: One team executive tells me the Titans were asking for THREE No. 1s for second pick. He laughed."

People believe that Cle would have to surrender this year's no. 12 and no. 19 and next year's first round pick. That's a lot for a team that needs help on the offensive line, defensive line, WR, and TE. Plus, Cle needs a kicker and a punt returner.

All winter and spring, Philly head coach Chip Kelly has stated that newly-acquired QB Sam Bradford (from St. Louis) would be his QB. But a lot of people didn't believe Kelly.

Apr 30, 2015 - PFT - Mariota to Eagles keeps gaining steam

For some reason during the off-season, it was mentioned that Bradford may get traded to Cle. I think that Bradford is in the final year of his current contract. I don't think that he's interested in playing for Cle. Even if he plays for the Browns in 2015, he would probably bolt next year.

The trade makes no sense for Cle. Bradford is injury-prone. He's underperformed during his time at St. Louis. Is Bradford a dramatic improvement over Josh McCown who the Browns acquired during the free agency period?

Apr 30, 2015 - PFT - Browns intent on getting a franchise quarterback

Apr 30, 2015 - PFT - Browns think they can get Sam Bradford today

Apr 30, 2015 - MMQB - Big rumor involving Marcus Mariota, Tennessee’s No. 2 pick, Philly, Cleveland and Sam Bradford

"Seven weeks ago Kelly traded starting quarterback Nick Foles to St. Louis for a package that included quarterback Sam Bradford. To get the second pick in the draft, the Eagles would have to do one of two things: ship Bradford to Tennessee as part of the deal, or ship Bradford to Cleveland to get a first-round pick, which Kelly would then flip to Tennessee as part of a deal for Mariota. It would take two first-round picks plus something significant, most likely, to get the Oregon passer."

"One NFL source in Chicago late Wednesday night told me Cleveland believes it has a good chance before the draft to deal for Bradford."

It's hard to believe that Bradford has not played since October 2013.

Browns propaganda radio airs from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on AM 850 WKNR. The blabbers are tasked with carrying the water or worse. It's really annoying radio and not worth listening to. It makes fan-talk sound intelligent.

But since today is draft day, I decided to dedicate an ear to Cleveland Browns Daily or whatever the show is called. The main talking guy is interested in Cleveland acquiring Bradford. That probably means it will happen.

Farmer will engage in a ridiculous multi-team deal that will bring Bradford to Cleveland. Browns propaganda radio will be charged with getting the fans excited about the deal, but I doubt fans will buy the bilge.

Already, Nate, the main talker, is trying to sell Cleveland on the idea that it will be great that Bradford comes to Cleveland.

At least Nate mentions the fact that Bradford has stated that he would not sign a deal with Cleveland. With that kind of attitude, why would Cleveland want him, considering the knuckleheads Cleveland already has on the team: Manziel, Gilbert, and Gordon.

Apparently this afternoon, the Eagles have offered a lot for TN's no. 2 pick.

And now Nate on BPR admits that most fans would be displeased with acquiring Bradford who does not want to be in Cleveland. Let the Eagles, Titans, and Chargers battle that out. Cleveland needs to avoid being snookered into something stupid.

I'm sure GMs have big egos. The first round is the show or the spectacular, and some GMs may want to be a part of the show by making deals.

Saints

The New Orleans Saints also have two first round draft picks: no. 13 and no. 31. Will the Saints try to acquire Mariota who will then wait behind Drew Brees for two to four years until Drew's contract ends or he retires? It would similar to Rodgers waiting behind Favre for a three or four years.

Currently, Drew is 36-years-old.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Brees

"On July 13, [2012,] the Saints and Brees agreed to a 5-year, $100 million contract."

I assume that the contract ends after the 2016 or 2017 season when Drew will be approx 38- or 39-years-old.

A QB drafted by the Saints in 2015 may only have to sit out two or three seasons and start in 2017 or 2018.

Green Bay selected Rogers with the 24th pick of the first round in the 2005 draft. During that draft, Favre was 35-years-old. Brett's final year at GB was the 2007 season. Rodgers sat out his first three years.

Brees-Mariota is similar to Favre-Rodgers.

No chatter exists about the Saints making a move to acquire Mariota.

But a couple stories exist about the Saints moving to no. 3 or no. 5 to pick USC DL Leonard Williams. Move up one more spot, and well ...

Two First Round Picks Again

For the second-consecutive year, Cleveland starts the draft with TWO first round draft picks. Two straight years with two no. ones.

I think that it's only the fourth time Cle has had two picks in the first round. But how often does it happen for ANY NFL team to have two first round picks in two straight years?

Now Cle may wheel and deal and wind up with only one first round pick tonight, but the point remains that at the end of the regular season, Cle had two first round picks.

Last year, Gilbert and Manziel proved to be big-time busts. Gilbert, however, was highly rated by all the so-called experts. He was ranked as the top defensive back or CB in last year's draft. And he was highly ranked as one of the best athletes in the draft. Therefore, it's possible that Gilbert may turn it around, and at least be a regular on passing down situations.

If Manziel is at best the no. 3 QB for the Browns, and if Gilbert shows no improvement, then both should be released before the regular season begins.

I think that the Browns will make no movement up and down in this year's draft. The Browns will pick at 12 and 19. The Browns interior line on offense and defense needs to be improved.

Apparently, this year's draft contains several good WR. The Browns passed on Watkins, Evans, and Beckham last year, and all three played well at WR for rookies.

This past season, the Browns got mulled by the Bengals in December in Cleveland. Cincy destroyed the Browns at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. It was only one game, but it was near the end of the season against a divisional team with slim playoff chances still available. At least .500 season on the line.

The Browns defense was poor last year against the rush. I'm guessing that the Browns will take a defensive lineman with one of their first round picks, and maybe an offensive lineman with the other or a WR.

Word is out there that Cle may draft a RB in the first round. Gurley from Georgia or Gordon from Wisconsin.

I still believe that the league rules favor two areas over all others: QB and pass-catchers, mainly WR. That's why if a team needs a QB or WR, then a team should select those positions in the first round. Last year, Cle could have drafted WR Watkins and QB Bridgewater without making any moves.

Hopefully, Browns GM Farmer does not fancy himself as some kind of draft-day, maneuvering savant. It's only his second draft, and this point, he clearly botched last year's first round. He made up for it some by doing pretty well with other draft picks last year.

Maybe the keep-it-simple approach in this year's first round works best. Stay at 12 and 19 and select the best players available.

Top Offensive Players

According to Scouts Inc.

1. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State
2. Amari Cooper - WR - Alabama
3. Marcus Mariota - QB - Oregon
4. Brandon Scherff - OT - Iowa
5. Kevin White - WR - West Virginia
6. Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia
7. DeVante Parker - WR - Louisville
8. Andrus Peat - OT - Stanford
9. Ereck Flowers - OT - Miami (FL)
10. Cameron Erving - C - Florida St
11. Melvin Gordon - RB - Wisconsin
12. Breshad Perriman - WR - UCF
13. La'el Collins - OT - LSU
14. Nelson Agholor - WR - USC
15. Phillip Dorsett - WR - Miami (FL)
16. Devin Smith - WR - Ohio State
17. Jaelen Strong - WR - Arizona St
18. D.J. Humphries - OT - Florida

2014 Draft

My 2014 links:

• 2014 NFL Mock Drafts
• 2014 NFL Draft - First Round
• 2014 NFL Draft - First Round Results
• Thoughts about the Browns' 2014 draft picks

2015 Browns Schedule

The Cleveland Browns 2015 Schedule with my thoughts.

• For the 2015 season, at least 11 of the 16 games occur against playoff-possible opponents, which includes double-counting the three divisional teams. The so-called easiest part of the schedule is the first quarter of the season.
• The third quarter of the season is the most fascinating part of the schedule. All four games occur against divisional opponents. Two home and two away. Two against Cincy. And two games are primetime. Thursday night at Cincy. Monday night home to Baltimore. A bye week is embedded within this stretch.
• The last time that Cleveland achieved at least a .500 record within the division was in 2007 when the Browns went 3-3.
• Over the past five seasons, Cleveland's combined record during the final quarter of each season is 1-19.
  • The last time Cleveland finished at least 2-2 over the final quarter of the season was in 2009 when the Browns closed with a 4-0 record and finished the season with a 5-11 record.
  • In 2007, Cleveland went 3-1 in the final quarter and finished 10-6 overall. The only loss in the final four games occurred against Cincinnati, which was the only divisional game.
• 2007 Browns: 3-1 over the final quarter, 3-3 within the division, and 10-6 overall.
• For 2015, I predict a 6-10 or 7-9 record.

Preseason

• Thu, Aug 13 vs Redskins 8:00 p.m.
• Thu, Aug 20 vs Bills 8:00 p.m.
• Sat, Aug 29 at Buccaneers 7:00 p.m.
• Thu, Sep 3 at Bears 8:00 p.m.

Regular Season

1 - Sun, Sep 13 @ New York Jets 1:00 PM CBS
2 - Sun, Sep 20 vs Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS
3 - Sun, Sep 27 vs Oakland 1:00 PM CBS
4 - Sun, Oct 4 @ San Diego 4:05 PM CBS

5 - Sun, Oct 11 @ Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS
6 - Sun, Oct 18 vs Denver 1:00 PM CBS
7 - Sun, Oct 25 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM CBS
8 - Sun, Nov 1 vs Arizona 1:00 PM FOX

9 - Thu, Nov 5 @ Cincinnati 8:25 PM NFL
10 - Sun, Nov 15 @ Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS
11 BYE WEEK
12 - Mon, Nov 30 vs Baltimore 8:30 PM ESPN/WatchESPN
13 - Sun, Dec 6 vs Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS

14 - Sun, Dec 13 vs San Francisco 1:00 PM FOX
15 - Sun, Dec 20 @ Seattle 4:05 PM FOX
16 - Sun, Dec 27 @ Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS
17 - Sun, Jan 3 vs Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS

Blog

Apr 30, 2015

7:16 p.m.

Mariota is at home in Hawaii, holding a draft party with family and friends. It was reported that someone or some people were chanting, "Anywhere but Cleveland."

7:14 p.m.

Jerod is no fan of Winston. Apparently, at Winston's home, they have a red carpet rolled out, which could be an ESPN thing. And a billboard-sized sign contains an image of Winston. Hammer said that Winston's number one fan is Winston. It's showtime for Winston. This kid won't be shy and restrained.

7:12 p.m.

Jerod said the Browns should play the first round smart and not safe.

7:06 p.m.

Grossi's sources say that the Browns will stay pat at 12 and 19 or be boring tonight. That sounds good to me.

7:02 p.m.

Allegedly, the Eagles are trying to deal with Tampa Bay, since TN is asking too much. Maybe it's also because SD will keep Rivers, and maybe also because the Browns have no interest in Bradford.

But according to Rizzo's sources from New York, the Browns' attempt to get Bradford is a real thing. Jerod Cherry said that's crazy.

WaPo tweeted that Cleveland will end the night with a QB. It will either be Bradford or Mariota. Only the first round will occur tonight.

Jerod said that Manziel has no trade value.

It would be stunningly stupid for Cleveland to obtain Bradford who does not want to play in Cleveland. If Cle obtained Bradford, then the "Dumpster Fire" tag should be assigned indefinitely to the Browns.

5:55 p.m.

A few years ago, Washington surrendered three number one picks and one number two pick to move up and draft RGIII.

Unless TN gets desperate as the selection time gets down to minutes, then I can't imagine Cle making a deal to obtain Mariota. And it makes zero sense to acquire Bradford.

5:41 p.m.

• PFT - Could Eagles be trying to get to No. 1?
• PFT - Buccaneers want to acquire another first-rounder

This could be the draft that gets Kelly either fired in a couple years or into the playoffs on a regular basis, like Andy Reid did with Donovan McNabb.

• PFT - PFT Planet: Will Johnny Manziel ever be a starter in NFL?
• PFT - Cowboys won’t pursue Johnny Manziel if he’s made available in trade
• PFT - With one year on his deal, Bradford trade would be a gamble for Cleveland
• PFT - Titans driving hard bargain for No. 2 overall pick

"It would require the Eagles to strike a deal with the Browns, which would send Bradford to Cleveland and the 12th pick to Tennessee. Presumably, the Eagles would have to give up even more to Cleveland — and possibly would have to assume the contract of quarterback Johnny Manziel."

"Multiple reports have said that Bradford would not be willing to sign a new contract with the Browns, which raises questions about whether it would really make any sense for the Browns to trade for him."

If Browns GM Ray Farmer is smart, he'll pass on Bradford, and he'll pass on the Titans' demands. Stay at 12 and 19. Small moves up or down, at most.

Take a defensive lineman and wide receiver with the two first round picks. Doesn't matter which position is taken when. For the DL, edge rusher or interior? Cleveland needs help to stop the rush, so probably interior.

5:36 p.m.

Heard on WKNR that San Diego told Rivers that he will not be traded. That implies that SD is out of any deal with TN and Philly.